crushedspirit
Footballguy
I was watching that game when they showed the replay and it was a thing of beauty that his coaches and teammates will admire as well.
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WR George Pickens, DAL (3 Viewers)
- Thread starter JohnnyU
- Start date
crushedspirit
Footballguy
That's the point. DJ keeps working on his craft while GP thinks he's already the best with no facts to back it up.
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Well Pickens put up 1,140 with Pickett and Rudolph so.....
Football Jones
Footballguy
:freegeorgepickens:
x.com
x.com
Terrible formatting, probably easier to read the tweet but what I cut and pasted below was the part of the article/tweet the focused on Pickens.
George is getting upset:
You would think that a talent like George Pickens would be on the field as much as possible, especially when the receivers around him haven’t been particularly good in Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller.But Pickens found himself on the bench on several occasions against the Cowboys including one entire series and as you might imagine, George was upset.Pickens was witnessed showing his displeasure on the sidelines during his time not in the game. At one point, he said next to a teammate on the bench. That teammate immediately got up and walked to a different bench.It might have been circumstantial evidence but it didn’t have a good look, sort of like his eye black that he printed the words “Always F***ing Open” across them. I am not sure how the team allowed him to get away with that but I digress.Something stinks here and something tells me there is blame for both sides.For me, I don’t blame Pickens pouting potentially over his lack of playing time after hearing Tomlin explain why Pickens was rotated in and out of the game as much as he was. “We just wanted to minimize his reps in an effort to get more productivity,” Tomlin said. “We were just trying to rep manage in terms of the totality of the bigger picture. He wasn’t less of a focal point in terms of our intentions of what we wanted to do offensively but we did want to cut his reps a little bit in an effort to get higher quality play just in general.”Huh? What was that?If that’s really what happened — Tomlin said “there’s no underlying story, to be quite honest with you” — then I don’t blame Pickens for getting upset on the sidelines a couple of times including once when he slammed his helmet off the ground. Pickens has played in 59% of the snaps against the Cowboys. Last week against the Colts, he was on the field for 86%. He’s also had games this year of 68%, 77% and 74%.Pickens was not happy with his lack of play time and rightfully so.Pickens was targeted seven times and caught three passes for 26 yards, 21 of them coming on one play. With the Steelers short on playmaking receivers, Pickens shouldn’t be on the bench.How many top receivers in the league are on a pitch count to produce more productivity?“We just didn’t get him the ball,” Fields said.There is more to this story. What top receiver plays 59% of the snaps? Mike Evans played 87% of the snaps for the Buccaneers on Sunday, Garrett Wilson played 96% for the Jets, Justin Jefferson played 95% for the Vikings and Brandon Aiyuk played 92% for the 49ers.Pickens did not address the media after the game.
Yeah I thought of that as well. Justin Fields is not a good passer. That was easy to see last night. He does not seem to have a great touch on his throws. Hell, even someone like Daniel Jones has a better touch on his passes. The Steelers should not sign this dude to a long term deal.
Football Jones
Footballguy
Was this punishment for the week 4 fumble? Otherwise, he had a pretty good game. Pickens' contested catch ability is well known, but he's also improved on his separation to the point earlier in the season, he was one of the leaders in the category. He's also had well over a 100 yards and a TD called back this season which I'm sure is frustrating.
Pickens would be a bonafide stud with the vast majority of other teams in the league. Tomlin has been a winner, but maybe the game has passed him by. Fields makes a good backup so give Wilson a shot. The moon ball to Pickens might be a thing. If Russ falters, draft/trade/sign somebody in the offseason.
The solution certainly isn't to **** around with your best weapon.
Pickens would be a bonafide stud with the vast majority of other teams in the league. Tomlin has been a winner, but maybe the game has passed him by. Fields makes a good backup so give Wilson a shot. The moon ball to Pickens might be a thing. If Russ falters, draft/trade/sign somebody in the offseason.
The solution certainly isn't to **** around with your best weapon.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
On a few running plays, it looked to me like Pickens was half-assing it, not blocking and making it really obvious that it was a running play. I like GP as a receiver, but that’s just not gonna cut it……
No one who knows is telling anyone but I don't think so. My belief is something transpired during the week and we are left guessing or making up narratives.
But fact something seems to have shifted in the relationships the week the Steeler's are rumored to be trying to acquire Adams AND potentially make Pickens available in a trade seems really hard for me to ignore not being a factor.
I created my narrative and it goes this way:
George hears about the interest in Adams. Starts complaining about why they want to add more WR's when he's only getting 5 targets a game. They try and explain it to him, tell him it would actually help him get open. George is not trying to hear that BS and does not conduct himself in a professional manner during the week of practice. Then he hears his name being brought up as being potentialy available in a trade. So he goes into FU mode, shows up with that face tape message to let the Steelers know what he thinks about needing help to get open and I think maybe decides to push their buttons on trading him.
That's my made up narrative with no firm ground to say any of it's true so anyone reading that can label it all as BS and it won't hurt my feelings but all I know is something shifted big time between Pickens an the team between weeks 4 and 5 and again the timing of that with the trade stuff sure seems connected.
Judge Smails
Footballguy
He wouldn’t have under Arthur Smith - I guarantee you that
Football Jones
Footballguy
That makes a lot of sense. You might be right.
The Herd on Instagram: "What do the Steelers do well on offense?"
4,074 likes, 98 comments - theherd on October 7, 2024: "What do the Steelers do well on offense?".
www.instagram.com
oldmanhawkins
Footballguy
This is entirely possible. However, I doubt the Steelers are really all that interested in Adams. It isn’t their MO to target a star offensive player or to pick up that contract. It seems more likely that they are unhappy with Pickens’ overall effort. If they feel he isn’t giving 100% on plays where he isn’t one of the top reads I could see them limiting his snaps to send a message. And passing the message to the media with the word salad that Tomlin gave feels consistent with this theory.
5-ish Finkle
Footballguy
I think too many folks are applying old data/logic when they say stuff like this about Pittsburgh. "Kevin Colbert" absolutely would never have become involved in acquiring Davante Adams. However, Omar Khan has spent the better part of the last two years (certainly all of 2024) showing that he is, indeed, willing to target guys he would have to pay. He wooed SF for Aiyuk until the last moment. They traded for Fields, who is going to be due at least a reasonable bag if they want to retain him beyond 2024. He signed Patrick Queen to a giant contract (which looks like a mistake as of this writing...but he went after the guy and paid him). Now they're linked to Adams.
The Steelers may not come up anything other than empty on any of his attempts (pretty easy to argue that's been the case right now), but so far Khan has actually been doing things that are pretty "un-Steeler like" with regard to being afraid of a guy's contract. Brave new world, etc, etc.
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Big Nate
Footballguy
His talent isn't the problem. It is what is upstairs. Guy is a beast but when he is out there running half-assed routes and then has the gal later to complain about being targeted...
Big Nate
Footballguy
Here is the other issue is Arthur Smith. Going back to ATL he would take Drake London off the field for no reason. First 4 games of the season this year for London - 100, 97, 100, 98% snap share.
London's first year he never got more than 90% snap share. Last year London got 90% snap share or greater ONLY twice.
Smith loves to take the best weapon off the field because that makes sense ?!?!
So you combine Arthur Smith with Pickens who only tries on half the plays you get what you get.
If you believe in Pickens there is a buy window now. But there is risk that there is too much Diva this year and Arthur Smith will find a way to take Pickens off the field.
London's first year he never got more than 90% snap share. Last year London got 90% snap share or greater ONLY twice.
Smith loves to take the best weapon off the field because that makes sense ?!?!
So you combine Arthur Smith with Pickens who only tries on half the plays you get what you get.
If you believe in Pickens there is a buy window now. But there is risk that there is too much Diva this year and Arthur Smith will find a way to take Pickens off the field.
Big Nate
Footballguy
Smith loves himself a good TE. And what is better than 1 TE? 4 TEs. To be fair he wants to run the ball and run more. Problem is they have all these blockers and the still can't open up any holes.
He wants to run but they can't run block very well.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I had to ask CoPilot
Why don't the Pittsburgh Steelers fine George Pickens for lack of effort? Will the players union step in if they do?
Answer from CoPilot follows
The Steelers haven’t fined George Pickens for lack of effort because head coach Mike Tomlin has attributed Pickens’ limited playing time to "snap management" rather than any underlying issues with effort. Tomlin explained that the team is trying to maximize Pickens’ productivity by managing his reps, similar to how they handle defensive linemen.
Tomlin has also emphasized that there is no deeper issue at play and that Pickens remains a focal point in their strategy. It seems the team is focused on optimizing his performance rather than penalizing him.
If the Steelers were to fine Pickens for lack of effort, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) could potentially step in. The NFLPA is responsible for protecting players’ rights and ensuring that any disciplinary actions are fair and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). If a player feels that a fine is unjust, they can file a grievance through the union, which would then be reviewed and potentially arbitrated
Do you think this approach will help improve the Steelers’ offense?
I think that Mike Tomlin needs to be more candid about the situation at hand. George Pickens needs to grow up. The wide receiver coach needs to be scrutinized more. Steelers tend to have their Diva's and is that more attributed to the coaching and not being stern on players and holding them more accountable?
I don't know about you, but I miss the days of Bill Parcel's calling out players and making fun of them in a playful way. But meant to motivate them.
Why don't the Pittsburgh Steelers fine George Pickens for lack of effort? Will the players union step in if they do?
Answer from CoPilot follows
The Steelers haven’t fined George Pickens for lack of effort because head coach Mike Tomlin has attributed Pickens’ limited playing time to "snap management" rather than any underlying issues with effort. Tomlin explained that the team is trying to maximize Pickens’ productivity by managing his reps, similar to how they handle defensive linemen.
Tomlin has also emphasized that there is no deeper issue at play and that Pickens remains a focal point in their strategy. It seems the team is focused on optimizing his performance rather than penalizing him.
If the Steelers were to fine Pickens for lack of effort, the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) could potentially step in. The NFLPA is responsible for protecting players’ rights and ensuring that any disciplinary actions are fair and in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA). If a player feels that a fine is unjust, they can file a grievance through the union, which would then be reviewed and potentially arbitrated
Do you think this approach will help improve the Steelers’ offense?
I think that Mike Tomlin needs to be more candid about the situation at hand. George Pickens needs to grow up. The wide receiver coach needs to be scrutinized more. Steelers tend to have their Diva's and is that more attributed to the coaching and not being stern on players and holding them more accountable?
I don't know about you, but I miss the days of Bill Parcel's calling out players and making fun of them in a playful way. But meant to motivate them.
Because he's dead?
People just like to complain about Arthur.
This is totally normal.
London had 80 and 81 percent of snaps.
Many WR1s are in 80-90 percent range and not over 90 percent.
Chase is 85, 94, 87, and 88.
Davante has 7 years in the 80s and 4 in the 90s.
London isn't as good as either of them though.
But I do agree Arthur wanted to sub for Pickens. I'd bet he and Tomlin were "dying" to put Patterson in for Pickens. Hard working great teammate with big play ability (albeit older now) and nails every block. Patterson is there at minimum to lead by example and it's a shame his ankle is hurting.
I can't imagine why anyone would see the game or the videos of it and fault Arthur or Tomlin for having the sideline be Pickens coach.
Have you noticed Arthur was supposedly a good OC again and Fields was fixed. Once Pickens antics started though....
I get where you’re coming from, Bri. The blame doesn’t just fall on Roman Wilson or George; the coaching staff has to step up. How is the WR coach motivating these guys? The Steelers’ passing offense hasn’t been a great landing spot for WRs since Ben's prime years. This brings us to another point: why do the Steelers attract diva WRs? Maybe it’s because the team has historically invested more in defense than offense. Sure, there’s been a shift in the last couple of drafts, focusing more on offense, but it’s a work in progress.
When it comes to AS Jr., my concern is that his offense seems like a throwback to the early days of football, with more emphasis on rushing than passing. It's like he's stuck in a different era.
When it comes to AS Jr., my concern is that his offense seems like a throwback to the early days of football, with more emphasis on rushing than passing. It's like he's stuck in a different era.
Big Nate
Footballguy
My beef is Smith taking their best receivers off the field to put in back-ups. It happened in ATL where they would take London off the field. It is proven. I gave you the number. Now ATL is playing London at like 95%+ and twice 100%.
80% is significantly less than 100%.
Smith can be good for the offense by running better schemes but also bad for personnel when he thinks the best idea is taking their best weapon off the field. It was a failure in ATL. I'm pointing out the fact he is doing it with Pickens.
Now there is also the issue with Pickens effort which is a separate issue that could be a long term issue.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Not shocked by this,
steelersdepot.com
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
steelersdepot.com
irish eyes
Footballguy
When you draft a problem child, what do you expect?Not shocked by this,
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
Judge Smails
Footballguy
This wasn't written two weeks ago?
Bill Belichick: Arthur Smith 'One Of The Best Offensive Coaches In The League'
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, while only scoring four touchdowns through two games, has been noticeably better this season, as Pittsburgh has controlled the clock and worn down opposing defenses. The decision to hire Arthur Smith as the team’s offensive coordinator has paid off so far, and...
steelersdepot.com
It's Arthur's and Fields' fault Pickens wore that stupid stuff on his face and gave an awful effort? He or Tomlin is the first coach to bench a player giving a lackluster effort?
karl.Racki
Footballguy
Steelers are going to have a HUGE decision to make... His contract is up, I believe after next season. The dude has AB 2.0 written all over him. He is a total problem child. They have gotten rid of JuJu, DJ, and Claypool, who also were problem children.Not shocked by this,
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
Word is he is going to want paid.. Will the Steelers be foolish enough to pay a guy who acts like he don't care half the time, who apparently the HOF coach has issues with, or will they feed this guy's ego by giving him a huge paycheck and showing what he is doing is right and it could only cause a bigger issue down the road with him?
I will be honest, I really don't think he is worth it TBH..
crushedspirit
Footballguy
I've already said it before. He will be a 2025 hold out or hold in if the Steelers do not offer him an extension according to what he believes is his value. I'm guessing GP will be asking for anything in the 25-30 mil/season range.Steelers are going to have a HUGE decision to make... His contract is up, I believe after next season. The dude has AB 2.0 written all over him. He is a total problem child. They have gotten rid of JuJu, DJ, and Claypool, who also were problem children.Not shocked by this,
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
Word is he is going to want paid.. Will the Steelers be foolish enough to pay a guy who acts like he don't care half the time, who apparently the HOF coach has issues with, or will they feed this guy's ego by giving him a huge paycheck and showing what he is doing is right and it could only cause a bigger issue down the road with him?
I will be honest, I really don't think he is worth it TBH..
karl.Racki
Footballguy
Wonder if Steelers will try to move him at some point..With his snap numbers being cut, it's apparent Tomlin is getting tired of his effort and half assing plays. There is no way I would even think about giving him that much money.I've already said it before. He will be a 2025 hold out or hold in if the Steelers do not offer him an extension according to what he believes is his value. I'm guessing GP will be asking for anything in the 25-30 mil/season range.Steelers are going to have a HUGE decision to make... His contract is up, I believe after next season. The dude has AB 2.0 written all over him. He is a total problem child. They have gotten rid of JuJu, DJ, and Claypool, who also were problem children.Not shocked by this,
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
Word is he is going to want paid.. Will the Steelers be foolish enough to pay a guy who acts like he don't care half the time, who apparently the HOF coach has issues with, or will they feed this guy's ego by giving him a huge paycheck and showing what he is doing is right and it could only cause a bigger issue down the road with him?
I will be honest, I really don't think he is worth it TBH..
BladeRunner
Footballguy
What is it with the Steelers and drafting malcontent and diva wide receivers?
King of the Jungle
Footballguy
You would think that would be a consideration at this point. His snap counts don’t make any sense unless there is something going on behind the scenes (which is what I assume at this point).Wonder if Steelers will try to move him at some point..With his snap numbers being cut, it's apparent Tomlin is getting tired of his effort and half assing plays. There is no way I would even think about giving him that much money.I've already said it before. He will be a 2025 hold out or hold in if the Steelers do not offer him an extension according to what he believes is his value. I'm guessing GP will be asking for anything in the 25-30 mil/season range.Steelers are going to have a HUGE decision to make... His contract is up, I believe after next season. The dude has AB 2.0 written all over him. He is a total problem child. They have gotten rid of JuJu, DJ, and Claypool, who also were problem children.Not shocked by this,
Fittipaldo: George Pickens Has Shown Up Late For Work On 'Multiple Occasions'
New reporting from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens isn’t just creating problems on Sundays. According to Ray Fittipaldo, Pickens has reportedly been late to work on “multiple occasions” this year. Per Fittipaldo. “A source told the Post-Gazette Pickens...
Word is he is going to want paid.. Will the Steelers be foolish enough to pay a guy who acts like he don't care half the time, who apparently the HOF coach has issues with, or will they feed this guy's ego by giving him a huge paycheck and showing what he is doing is right and it could only cause a bigger issue down the road with him?
I will be honest, I really don't think he is worth it TBH..
I have two theories, and I think it may be a combo of both:
1. They get draft day discounts on known malco's other teams are not so excited to mess with under the notion that they believe Mike Tomlin can properly handle and motivate them.
2. In another situation some of these WR's would be fine but when big money is paid to WR's and a lot of those decisions on money being handed out is based on production some of these guys are losing it over relying on noodle arm old Ben, Rudolph, Pickett and Justin Fields to get them the ball, especially when those QB's are paired with offensive coordinators that are not exactly passing game guru's.
Big Nate
Footballguy
The good WRs are all Divas and have a bit of "my **** don't stink" to them. I think as an elite WR you need to ride a fine line where you believe you are the best in the world. Only a few can do it without going over the line. Look at all the great WRs, they almost all have an issue or two.
Tyreek, Terrell Owens, Ocho, Diggs, Chase, Antonio Brown to name a few - oh man the list could go 25+ deep.
Steelers generally can get a few good years out of them but seems Pickens can't even show up to work/meetings on time. Then add in his onfield issues.
Big Nate
Footballguy
My dynasty thoughts:
Unless Pickens changes he is going to be a problem for whatever team he is on. PIT is known for being a "family" and coaches willing to put up with a certain amount of crap, as long as the players are working hard and putting effort in. Mike Tomlin won't settle for players not giving effort. There is one speech he gave a couple years ago to new players/college kids and it was all about family and effort. Sounds like Pickens has gone over the line.
If PIT can make it work for Pickens then where is he going to go that it will work? If Pickens gets paid will he mail it in (even more)? Sounds like he doesn't show up to work on time, doesn't give it all on the field and you think getting paid $30M is going to make him want to work harder?
I think his talent is phenomenal but there is something not quite right with him upstairs. I'd probably be trying to sell and get max value if he has a blow up game coming up here. Or sell at the trade deadline to a needy playoff team and see if you can't get a good haul. 2025 first round draft picks will be gold with all the RBs and possible QBs coming out.
Unless Pickens changes he is going to be a problem for whatever team he is on. PIT is known for being a "family" and coaches willing to put up with a certain amount of crap, as long as the players are working hard and putting effort in. Mike Tomlin won't settle for players not giving effort. There is one speech he gave a couple years ago to new players/college kids and it was all about family and effort. Sounds like Pickens has gone over the line.
If PIT can make it work for Pickens then where is he going to go that it will work? If Pickens gets paid will he mail it in (even more)? Sounds like he doesn't show up to work on time, doesn't give it all on the field and you think getting paid $30M is going to make him want to work harder?
I think his talent is phenomenal but there is something not quite right with him upstairs. I'd probably be trying to sell and get max value if he has a blow up game coming up here. Or sell at the trade deadline to a needy playoff team and see if you can't get a good haul. 2025 first round draft picks will be gold with all the RBs and possible QBs coming out.
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
Historically, the Steelers have done a bang up job of mining the draft for WRs. The organization has also done a pretty good job of recognizing when it's going off the rails and have released or traded guys BEFORE they became much of a problem.
crushedspirit
Footballguy
Mr Unaccountable
Menobrown the list of malco's challenging the coaches. Santonio, Martavis, AB, Diontae and now GP. I could be missing someone.
The way GP is now the Steeler's won't pay him long term. Not worth the risk. GP press conference today was literally all deflection. If someone has a link to the audio it's a must hear.
If they trade him. You're losing the best offensive weapon on the team. Goodluck watching Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Brandon Johnson, and whoever they replace GP with who in theory won't be as good.
The way GP is now the Steeler's won't pay him long term. Not worth the risk. GP press conference today was literally all deflection. If someone has a link to the audio it's a must hear.
If they trade him. You're losing the best offensive weapon on the team. Goodluck watching Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Brandon Johnson, and whoever they replace GP with who in theory won't be as good.
Dizzy
Footballguy
It would be nice if Wilson was the one throwing him the ball.x.com
Hartliner
Footballguy
I love reading the comments of this twitter post,x.com
"Wilson wants QB1 back so bad! He just knows what to say to get their stud on his side. This is where Wilson has a big edge on Fields."
"Wilson can be a real good politician."
Wilson is the meme gift that keeps on giving. Can't wait to see what happens in Pittsburgh
karl.Racki
Footballguy
What you interpreted and what Kaboly actually said are not the same thing.Kaboly reports Pickens threw Smith under the bus.. I def think Steelers will move him at some point, like they did with Chase, AB, and DJ
x.com
